Wood River in Hall County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Original Townsite of Wood River
Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 29, 2011
1. Original Townsite of Wood River Marker
Inscription.
Original Townsite of Wood River. . Between 1844 and 1866 thousands of emigrants, gold seekers, and Mormons moved west through the Platte Valley. The first settlers along Wood River 1858-60 operated road ranches to serve travelers. They included Patrick, Richard, and Anthony Moore; James Jackson; and a Mormon, Joseph E. Johnson. In this immediate vicinity was Jackson’s store, opened about 1864, and Moore’s Ranch. Johnson’s Ranch, also known as Wood River Center, was at the present site of Shelton, Nebraska.
The Original town of Wood River, named for the tree-lined river directly north, was platted around a station established here by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866. Jackson moved his store to the settlement, and a log Catholic Church and settlers’ school were built by 1869.
In 1874-75 the Union Pacific platted the present town of Wood River about three miles east. The station, post office, and Jackson’s store were placed on skids and moved to the new location. In 1990 only St. Mary’s Cemetery and the District 5 school marked the original townsite.
Between 1844 and 1866 thousands of emigrants, gold seekers, and Mormons moved west through the Platte Valley. The first settlers along Wood River 1858-60 operated road ranches to serve travelers. They included Patrick, Richard, and Anthony Moore; James Jackson; and a Mormon, Joseph E. Johnson. In this immediate vicinity was Jackson’s store, opened about 1864, and Moore’s Ranch. Johnson’s Ranch, also known as Wood River Center, was at the present site of Shelton, Nebraska.
The Original town of Wood River, named for the tree-lined river directly north, was platted around a station established here by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866. Jackson moved his store to the settlement, and a log Catholic Church and settlers’ school were built by 1869.
In 1874-75 the Union Pacific platted the present town of Wood River about three miles east. The station, post office, and Jackson’s store were placed on skids and moved to the new location. In 1990 only St. Mary’s Cemetery and the District 5 school marked the original townsite.
Erected by Hall County Historical Society, Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 336.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is
Location. 40° 48.26′ N, 98° 39.289′ W. Marker is in Wood River, Nebraska, in Hall County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 30, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 30. Between S. Cameron & S. McGuire Roads. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wood River NE 68883, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.